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Volleyball back in the game

Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) has finally confirmed that the national league is going to be staged this year following a one year hiatus. The league competition was last played in 2016 under the auspices of Mascom Wireless.

The announcement was made by BVF president Daniel Molaodi at a special congress held recently, whose purpose was to update affiliates on the state of affairs of the federation. “Talks and negotiations have been concluded with the sponsor whom I cannot name at this particular moment, but I can assure you that an agreement has been reached with the sponsor. We are now just waiting for the day that we will officially unveil the sponsor,” said Molaodi to loud ululations of delegates who attended the congress.

However, sources close to the federation say that very same Mascom is the company coming on board again as the sponsor. According to Molaodi, the association is contemplating hosting the sponsorship launch on the 28th April before matches commence on the second week of May. As if defending the federation, the BVF head implored affiliates to always be patient with the Federation when it comes to finding sponsors citing that it is a very difficult task with many challenges. Molaodi further pleaded with the gathering to refrain from using social media platforms to disseminate information that is not verified to the masses.

“Sponsorship negotiations are never easy especially given the unfavorable market and economic conditions in the country, where all other sporting codes are always clamoring for the same companies to sponsor their activities. Also you as affiliates should desist from using social media to share wrong information about the sport. That’s very suicidal because most of the times it is usually harmful information that has the potential of scaring away sponsors,” he said. Further Molaodi said, “Negotiations for other tournaments like Capital Motors Cup are also ongoing such that we can have a fully packed year but we will share information as soon as there much progress. But I also challenge you as clubs to come together and stage mini tournaments such that players are active throughout the year,” he added.

For his part BVF spokesperson Kagiso Meswele said preparations on the ground are already underway, “We are getting ready, this weekend various commissions be it coaches, competitions and referees committees, will be meeting in order to discuss any pending issues such as new regulations in the playing rules, competition draw up plans and schedules. And the transfer window will also be closing soon to pave way for the start of the league. All is not lost. We had wished for the league to start in April but now it may be in May so the league will have ample time to finish,” said Meswele.

Coaches and Players reactions on the league finally coming back

Sesha Matswiri (BDF VI)-“I’m so happy that BVF finally solved the problem of lack of sponsorship so I believe now the league will keep us busy together with our fans. We have been waiting for a very long time to an extent that we were about to give up and play constituency leagues. It also gives us the chance to go out and play international tournaments,”

Happy Ribbin (Police VI)– “It’s a welcome development because we have been training just for the sake of keeping good fitness levels without knowing whether the league will be staged or not. But since they are promising that the league is here that is motivation on its own. I and my team are ready because we long started training as early as February,”

Shimaka Ngwanaotsile (Police VI head coach) -“For now I have nothing to say, I will only express out my views after the launch of the sponsor.”